New Delhi, Feb 27: In what is likely to break the ice between the ministers and bureaucrats of the Delhi government, Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash on Tuesday wrote to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, confirming his attendance in the meeting of Council of Ministers scheduled today, "on the assumption" that the CM will ensure his safety.

The softening of stance by the top bureaucrat comes days after the IAS Joint Forum, along with the association of DANICS (Delhi, Andaman and Nicobar Islands Civil Service) and DASS (Delhi Administration Subordinate Service) decided to communicate with the State Ministers only through written form of communication.

In his letter to Kejriwal, the Chief Secretary said, "Since finalising dates of Budget Session and passing of the Budget are important for the functioning of the government, I, along with my concerned colleague officers, will be attending the said meeting."

"However, this is based on the assumption that the CM will ensure that there is no physical attack or verbal assault on the officers," he added.

While Prakash's letter addressed to the Delhi CM signals truce, the IAS Joint Forum on Monday had sought a written apology from Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia for the assault against the Chief Secretary.

"Instead of apologising for the incident, the CM and Deputy CM are in denial. This shows they were part of the conspiracy," the association had said.

The Chief Secretary was allegedly assaulted by two AAP MLAs - Amanatullah Khan and Prakash Jarwal - on February 19, during a late night meeting at Kejriwal's residence.

Based on Prakash's complaint, the Delhi Police arrested the two legislators. They were sent to 14-day judicial custody.

The ruling AAP, as well as the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), has denied the allegations. Instead, they had accused the Chief Secretary of storming out of the meeting briefly after it started, after hurling casteist abuse against the MLAs.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 27, 2018 04:11 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).